Mixed Methods Approach Research Articles

Mitigating risks in public procurement

Purpose This study aims to examine the challenges and risks in public procurement, focusing on Greece’s context within the EU framework. It seeks to provide guidance on mitigating potential risks throughout different stages of public procurement by leveraging the knowledge of Greek professionals and existing literature. The research explores the implementation of the national public procurement plan in Greece, aiming to accelerate contract awards, reduce bureaucracy, promote competition and encourage cost-effectiveness among contracting authorities. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a qualitative approach, combining a literature review with expert interviews. Greek professionals with extensive experience in public procurement were consulted to gather insights on current practices, challenges and risk mitigation strategies. The research also analyzes EU public procurement strategies and their implementation in Greece. This mixed-method approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the public procurement landscape, integrating theoretical frameworks with practical insights from industry experts. Findings The research reveals significant improvements in Greece’s public procurement sector despite persistent irregularities and challenges. Key findings include the need for increased transparency, professionalization of sector staff, support for SMEs and enhanced digitization. The study identifies specific risks at various stages of the procurement process and proposes mitigation strategies. It also highlights the importance of implementing the national public procurement plan to streamline processes, reduce bureaucratic hurdles and promote competition and cost-effectiveness. Social implications Effective public procurement management has far-reaching social implications. By improving the quality and efficiency of public spending, it can enhance public services and infrastructure, ultimately benefiting citizens’ quality of life. Increased transparency and fair competition can foster trust between citizens and government, promoting a culture of accountability. Supporting SMEs in public procurement can stimulate economic growth and job creation. Furthermore, promoting sustainability and innovation through procurement practices can contribute to broader societal goals such as environmental protection and technological advancement. Originality/value This study provides a unique perspective on public procurement challenges and risk management in Greece within the EU context. By combining insights from experienced Greek professionals with a comprehensive literature review, it offers practical, context-specific guidance for risk mitigation in public procurement. The research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on public procurement reform in EU member states, particularly those facing similar challenges to Greece. Its findings and recommendations can inform policy-making, improve procurement practices and enhance the overall effectiveness of public spending in Greece and potentially other EU countries.

Utilizing advanced language models to identify industrial symbiosis opportunities within the circular economy: capabilities and challenges

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate the application of advanced language models, particularly ChatGPT-4, in identifying and utilizing industrial symbiosis opportunities within the circular economy. It examines how the model can aid in promoting sustainable industrial practices by processing data from the MAESTRI project database, which includes various symbiotic relationships, as well as randomly selected waste codes not included in the database. The research involves structured queries related to industrial symbiosis, circular economy, waste codes and potential opportunities. By assessing the model’s accuracy in response generation, the study seeks to uncover both the capabilities and limitations of the language model in resource efficiency and waste reduction, emphasizing the need for ongoing refinement and expert oversight.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses to explore the potential of ChatGPT-4 in identifying industrial symbiosis opportunities. Data from the EU-funded MAESTRI project database, which includes existing symbiotic relationships, as well as randomly selected waste codes not included in the database, are used as the primary sources. The language model is queried with structured questions on industrial symbiosis, circular economy and specific waste codes utilizing the model’s advanced functions such as file upload. Responses are evaluated by comparing them with the MAESTRI database and official European Waste Catalogue (EWC) codes.FindingsThe study finds that ChatGPT-4 possesses a solid understanding of fundamental concepts related to industrial symbiosis and the circular economy. However, it encounters challenges in accurately describing EWC codes, with a notable portion of descriptions found to be incorrect. Despite these inaccuracies, the model shows potential in suggesting symbiotic opportunities, although its effectiveness is limited. Interestingly, the study reveals that the model can occasionally identify correct symbiotic relationships even with initial inaccuracies. These findings highlight the need for expert oversight and further development of the language model to improve its utility in complex, regulated fields like industrial symbiosis.Originality/valueThis study’s originality lies in its exploration of advanced language models, particularly ChatGPT-4, for identifying industrial symbiosis opportunities within the circular economy framework. Unlike previous research, which primarily focuses on specific sectors and AI’s role in general resource efficiency, this study specifically examines the capabilities and limitations of the language model in handling specialized and regulated information, such as EWC codes across various sectors. It employs a novel approach by comparing AI-generated responses with an established symbiosis database, which is comprehensive and spans all sectors rather than being limited to a single industry, as well as with randomly selected waste codes not included in the database. The study contributes to understanding how AI tools can support sustainable industrial practices, emphasizing the importance of refining these models for practical applications in environmental and industrial contexts.

Strategic technological innovation through ChatMu: transforming information accessibility in Muhammadiyah

This study examines the effectiveness of the ChatMu application in improving access to information for members of Muhammadiyah, a prominent socio-religious organization. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses to evaluate the application’s performance, usability, and user satisfaction. Findings reveal that ChatMu significantly enhances the accessibility and accuracy of Muhammadiyah-related information, highlighting its potential as an innovative tool for addressing community-specific information needs. However, several usability challenges were identified, including navigation inefficiencies and inconsistencies in content delivery. These limitations suggest the need for further refinement to optimize user experience and functionality. Despite these issues, ChatMu demonstrates strong capabilities in providing relevant and reliable information, fostering digital literacy, and supporting information dissemination within the Muhammadiyah community. The study concludes that ChatMu represents a promising application of chatbot technology in empowering communities through improved access to knowledge. Future development efforts should focus on comprehensive usability testing, maintaining information relevance, and incorporating advanced interactive features to enhance engagement. With continuous improvements, ChatMu has the potential to become an effective medium for advancing literacy and knowledge-sharing in the Muhammadiyah community.

Motivational factors for visually impaired college students in learning data analytics

The aim of this study is to explore the key factors that motivate visually impaired college students to develop data analytics skills. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative data from binary logistic regression analysis and qualitative insights from focus group discussions with undergraduate social science students. The quantitative findings reveal that the strongest motivators are the availability of adapted learning materials, teacher support and encouragement, and the perceived usefulness and relevance of statistics. In contrast, peer influence, gender, and type of impairment were not found to have significant impacts. The qualitative analysis underscores two primary barriers: technological and administrative challenges, as well as instructional and learning obstacles. These findings suggest that addressing these barriers and leveraging motivators can help create more inclusive educational programs. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for higher education institutions and instructors to better support visually impaired students in their pursuit of data analytics skills.

The Childhood Autism Rating Scale Second Edition (CARS2) and Its Applicability in an Iranian Sample.

The present study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale: Second Edition (CARS2) in diagnosing individuals with autism in Iran. A mixed-method approach was used and 313 participants were recruited, with an age range of 2-32 years, for CARS2-Standard Form (ST) and 218 individuals aged 6-25 years for CARS2-High Functioning (HF). The participants were recruited from daycare centers, schools, and clinics with different developmental trajectories: autism, intellectual disabilities, and neurotypical development. All participants with autism and intellectual disabilities had been clinically diagnosed previously. In addition, the CARS2-Questionnaire of Parent Concerns (QPC) was used to gather qualitative data on 30 randomly selected parents and the perspectives of the 20 test administrators were also collected. The CARS2 had high internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and test-retest reliability. Factor analyses revealed a one-factor structure for CARS2-ST and a three-factor structure for CARS2-HF. When adjustments were made to the cut-off points, the discriminant analyses indicated that CARS2 effectively differentiated between those with autism and typical development but less so with persons who had intellectual disabilities. The qualitative data analysis and the extracted themes suggest that the CARS2-QPC is a valid tool for collecting autism-related information from parents. Our findings suggest that the CARS2 is broadly a reliable and valid instrument for diagnosing autism spectrum in Iran in the absence of more extensive assessments.

Explore the Experience and Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Mother Empowerment Session on Management of Children Undergone Bone Marrow Transplantation: A Mixed Method Study

ABSTRACT Background: Special treatment units in particular, for age groups from birth to 14 years, or up to 18 years in some cases, provide highly advantageous treatments for pediatric cancers. BMT has become important in the treatment of several childhood diseases, such as leukemia and immunodeficiency, but with its own challenges of immune suppression, infection risks, and irregular posttransplant care. Objectives: This study investigated the healthcare experiences of mothers and the impact of the empowerment sessions conducted by nurses in the care of children post-BMT. Methodology: A mixed-method approach was used with a phenomenological design to be utilized for qualitative analysis on five mothers and a quasi-experimental pre–post design for quantitative analysis on 30 mothers. Data collection was through interviews and pre- and post-intervention assessments on nutrition, infection prevention, and follow-up care. Results: Support, discomfit, and emotional involvement were among the themes that described the stay at the hospital. Nurse-led classes greatly contributed to improvement in maternal literacy: a marked reduction was observed from inadequate to 0%; moderate improvement from 6% to 60%, whereas adequate from 36 to 40%. The score on PG-SGA shows that 76.66% of the mothers showed severe malnutrition. Conclusion: Empowerment sessions provided by the nurses greatly empowered the mother emotionally and added to an increase in the mother’s literacy skill, much contributing to an improvement in posttransplant management along with enhancing the quality of family life.

Use intention and behavior in e-government among rural women: An extension of the UTAUT-2 model

The promotion of e-government is a vital initiative for enhancing public service delivery, improving administrative efficiency, and advancing the modernization of governance. However, the factors influencing rural women's intention and behavior in using e-government services remain insufficiently understood. This study extends the UTAUT-2 by incorporating perceived security and digital literacy as additional variables. A mixed-methods approach, combining structural equation modeling (SEM) and artificial neural networks (ANN), was employed to identify the key determinants of rural women's intention to engage with e-government services. The results indicate that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, habit, perceived security, and digital literacy significantly affect rural women's intention to use e-government services. The extended UTAUT-2 model explains 78.6% of the variance in their behavioral intention. Furthermore, a strong positive relationship was found between e-government usage intention and actual behavior, with education level also showing a significant positive impact on e-government usage behavior.

K-12 Teachers’ Acceptance and Resistance Perceptions of Learning Analytics Adoption: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Abstract Learning analytics (LA) is an educational innovation that enhances teaching practices and facilitates student learning. However, the degree of LA adoption across schools remains limited, and teachers who adopt LA do not engage with it consistently. Based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) as a framework, we conducted a perception survey and five focus group interviews with K-12 teachers, aiming to identify their expectations, needs, and perceptions of LA adoption. This study focuses on aspects related to LA’s technology acceptance in school education. The research question is, “Using the UTAUT framework as a theoretical perspective, which factors explain the adoption of LA in schools? How do teachers describe their motivation and readiness for LA adoption?” The findings indicated that the factors facilitating LA adoption were performance expectancy, social influence, and feelings. Furthermore, the factors inhibiting the adoption of LA were effort expectancy, self-efficacy, facilitating conditions, and culture change. The implications and potential future research for adopting LA in schools are discussed.

Exploring the burden of treatment in patients' experiences of chronic condition management: A mixed-method study in Mendoza, Argentina.

This study investigated how patients managed their chronic diseases, focusing on burden of treatment, within the primary care level in Mendoza Province, Argentina. The study used a mixed-methods approach, including a qualitative component with a purposive sampling of patients with diabetes, hypertension, or depression using primary care services, and a quantitative component with secondary analysis of databases from public and social security. Ten focus group sessions were conducted at primary healthcare centers in urban and rural areas. The Burden of Treatment theory was used to frame the analysis. The study found that accessing care was difficult due to appointment difficulties and long waiting times, and obtaining medication and laboratory tests at secondary centers was also problematic. Non-emergency hospital care required primary care referrals, and users in rural areas faced access problems. Financial constraints were significant, with co-payments in social security sector, transportation costs, and lost work revenue. Strategies employed included networking, emergency service use, careful planning, and taking loans. This study underscores the complex implications of chronic disease management in a subnational healthcare system and provides insights for policymakers and healthcare providers.

Insights into simulation-based learning: student and faculty experiences in a PharmD program in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundSimulation-based learning is a highly effective and increasingly popular method of teaching in medical education. The study aimed to evaluate student satisfaction and perceived learning outcome acquisition and to explore faculty perceptions of simulation-based learning.MethodsA mixed-method approach was employed, which used a cross-sectional survey and focus group discussion that solicited feedback from pharmacy students and academic faculty staff, respectively, about their experiences using simulation-based learning. This study gathered data on three simulation activity formats: computerized, mannequin, and standardized patient role-play simulations. The sample size was calculated with a 5% margin of error, 95% confidence interval for a target population.ResultsA total of 295 students, including interns, participated in the surveys, which yielded 757 responses from the students collected following simulation-based learning activities, and 43 responses from the interns, with a response rate ranging from 71 to 93%. Student responses to computerized simulations were positive for perceived learning outcome acquisition (4.16 ± 0.844), preparedness (4.14 ± 0.892), and general perception (4.11 ± 0.951). Additionally, students reported positive perceived learning outcome acquisition (4.44 ± 0.680), preparedness (4.40 ± 0.717), and general perception (4.46 ± 0.676) for standardized patient role-play. After the mannequin simulation, students reported positive perceived learning outcome acquisition (4.62 ± 0.539), preparedness (4.65 ± 0.576), and general perception (4.65 ± 0.608). The average scores calculated for the intern surveys were positive across the same domains: perceived learning outcome acquisition (4.29 ± 0.584), preparedness (4.11 ± 0.239), and general perception (4.18 ± 0.742). The focus group findings identified expensive tools and limited time and resources as the main challenges associated with simulation-based learning.ConclusionsPharmacy students and interns generally indicated positive attitudes toward all simulation activities. Faculty considered simulation to be a significant teaching tool that enhances information retention and sharpens students’ skills. The study identified future targets of and main challenges to improving the integration of simulation in pharmacy education.

Process Evaluation of a Rapid Evidence Support System Assessment of Ireland’s Department of Health – A Protocol

Background The Rapid Evidence Support System Assessment (RESSA) was developed by the Global Evidence Commission to evaluate evidence support systems that inform policy decisions. These systems are designed to contextualize existing evidence, guide decision-making, and generate new insights to inform action. As evidence-informed policymaking gains traction globally, it is essential to evaluate these systems’ effectiveness. In Ireland, the Health Research Board, the Department of Health, Evidence Synthesis Ireland, Cochrane Ireland, and the Global Evidence Commission are collaborating to conduct a RESSA within the Department of Health. This process evaluation aims to assess the fidelity, acceptability, and experiences of stakeholders involved in the RESSA, providing insights for refining the methodology. Methods The process evaluation will employ a mixed methods approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative data collection. It will evaluate the conduct of a RESSA within the Department of Health. Fidelity assessment will examine adherence to the RESSA protocol, while acceptability will be evaluated using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability, focusing on key stakeholders' attitudes. An exploration of the experiences of participants, capturing both facilitators and barriers to the RESSA’s success will also be conducted. Data analysis will involve thematic analysis and descriptive statistics, aiming to highlight the RESSA’s methodological strengths and areas for improvement. Conclusions This evaluation is expected to provide critical insights into the strengths and limitations of the RESSA methodology, with implications for evidence-informed policymaking. Findings will offer recommendations to enhance the robustness and applicability of the RESSA in Ireland and beyond. Dissemination will include academic publications and reports, contributing to the broader understanding of effective evidence support systems. This process evaluation aims to inform future RESSAs and strengthen the evidence support framework, ensuring better-informed policy decisions at local, national, and international levels.

Mitigating moral distress by enhancing healthcare workers’ understanding of challenges faced by carers of children with disabilities in low-resource settings in Kenya

ABSTRACT Background Little is known about the psychological wellbeing and the potential moral distress faced by female carers of children with disabilities living in low-resource settings in East Africa. In such environments, caregiving often requires resilience and resourcefulness, yet can also increase the vulnerability of caregivers and their children. Objective The objective of this study is to identify factors affecting female caregivers’ psychological well-being, and to suggest ways healthcare workers can support these caregivers’ psychological well-being to alleviate moral distress. Methods Employing an intersectional convergent parallel mixed-methods approach, the research explores the factors affecting the psychological wellbeing of caregivers in one urban and one rural low-resource setting in Kenya. Results The study identifies strengthening and inhibiting factors, across three dimensions, that moderate caregivers’ experiences of moral distress, and puts forward suggestions for healthcare workers on how to support caregivers’ psychological wellbeing. Conclusions Female carers of children with disabilities in low-resource settings in Kenya face numerous psychological, social and systemic challenges which jeopardize their caregiving, leading to moral distress. Paediatricians and nurses can contribute to enhance the caregivers’ coping-strategies and psychological well-being through simple changes, like explaining a child’s condition in non-technical language. Community health workers can help strengthen the caregivers’ already existing resources by accompanying them in the day-to-day care of their children and by helping them establish self-support groups. Consequently, improved training of healthcare- and community health workers in the field of childhood disability is needed to strengthen health systems, and to support these caregivers and their children.

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for ESL Assessments: Efficiency, Challenges, and Future Directions

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into English as a Second Language (ESL) assessments has revolutionized traditional practices by offering efficiency, accuracy, and personalized learning pathways. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the effectiveness of AI tools, such as Grammarly, Duolingo, and Write & Improve, in improving ESL learners' proficiency across writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills. Quantitative findings from 150 learners show significant improvements in writing (16.6%) and reading (13.8%), while gains in speaking (5.4%) and listening (4.2%) remain modest, reflecting the limitations of AI in handling nuanced oral communication. Qualitative insights from 20 instructors reveal challenges, including algorithmic bias, cultural insensitivity, and concerns over data privacy. Despite these issues, AI tools are praised for reducing grading time and providing instant feedback. The study emphasizes the need for ethical guidelines, equitable access, and human oversight to address existing limitations and ensure inclusive educational outcomes. Additionally, it highlights the digital divide, where socio-economic disparities limit access to premium AI tools, exacerbating educational inequalities. By combining quantitative data with qualitative insights, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in ESL education. It advocates for a balanced integration of AI, positioning it as a complementary tool that amplifies human expertise rather than replacing it. This study contributes to ongoing discussions on the ethical and practical implications of AI in education, offering recommendations for policymakers, educators, and developers to optimize its potential.

How prepared is Nigeria digital payment for health workers? A landscape analysis

IntroductionStakeholders in the health sector have advocated for the optimization of digital payment channels in low-and-middle-income countries in order to improve program outcomes. We conducted a landscape analysis of the local context, challenges, and opportunities for digitized health worker payments in Nigeria.MethodsThis study was an exploratory qualitative case study with mixed-methods approach to data collection including; i) desk review, ii) interview of key informants and iii) engagement of stakeholders. In the desk review, the databases searched were MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar and Google. For the qualitative interviews, 17 stakeholders were interviewed between May and July 2022. Audio recordings of interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic approach with the Nvivo software. At the stakeholders’ (n = 15) engagement, findings from the desk review and interviews were discussed and additional data collected.ResultsDigital payment systems for health personnel described in the reviewed documents included the direct disbursement mechanisms, direct bank transfers and mobile money. Among these-payment methods, direct bank transfer was the most prominent digital payment method. Also, there is a high level of acceptability of digitized means of payment of health workers among stakeholders in the Nigerian health sector. From the regulatory point of view, the Nigerian government has initiated a number of digital payment policies including the cashless policy. Other incentives for digitization of payments were: availability of credible financial institutions, improved financial accountability and transparency, previous experience of under-payment or non-payment of end beneficiaries, to avoid delays in payment and ensure timely retirement of funds. Challenges of digital payments included: delayed resolution of problems associated with digital payment such as failed transactions, cyber security, double payments, and unfriendly bank policies.ConclusionDigital payment system is being utilized, accepted and would be beneficial for payments for the Nigerian healthcare system. Harnessing its benefits of improved health workers’ performance and program outcomes by enacting appropriate policies is recommended.

Factors Influencing the Incidence of Abortion at Imelda Pekerja Indonesia General Hospital in 2023

Incidence of Abortion at Imelda Pekerja Indonesia General Hospital in 2022 increased by 95 abortion cases (56.5%) out of 168 pregnancies. The incidence of abortion remains high due to the prevalence of abortion among working mothers. The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors influencing the incidence of abortion at Imelda Pekerja Indonesia General Hospital in 2023. The research employs a mixed-methods approach with sequential explanatory design. The quantitative sample consists of 50 pregnant women who experienced abortions, using medical record data and total sampling method. The qualitative research involves 10 informants selected through purposive sampling. Quantitative data analysis includes univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis using Chi-Square and Multiple Linear Regression tests. Qualitative data analysis involves data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. Based on the Chi-Square test results, variables with a p- value < 0.05 indicate a significant relationship between age, parity, pregnancy interval, history of abortion, education level, occupation, and maternal disease history with the incidence of abortion. The Multiple Linear Regression test reveals that the most influential factor is the history of abortion, particularly incomplete abortion. Qualitative research results also show the influence of age, parity, pregnancy interval, history of abortion, education level, occupation, and maternal disease history on the incidence of abortion, with the most influential variable being the history of abortion, specifically incomplete abortion. The conclusion of this study is that there is a significant relationship between age, parity, pregnancy interval, history of abortion, education level, occupation, and maternal disease history with the incidence of abortion at Imelda Pekerja Indonesia General Hospital in 2023, with the most influential variable being the history of abortion, particularly incomplete abortion. It is recommended that healthcare providers offer information about abortion to pregnant women, those who have experienced abortion, and those with a history of abortion, and encourage pregnant women to regularly undergo prenatal check-ups.

The Outcomes of Implementing Logistician Positions on NURSES' Job Satisfaction in Hospitals: A Mixed-Method Study.

To investigate the outcomes of implementing logistician positions on nurses' job satisfaction in hospitals. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach was employed. In the quantitative phase, the "Job Satisfaction Single Item" scale was utilised, and nurses' perceptions and intentions to leave were assessed. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses who had or had not experienced the deployment of logisticians to deepen the quantitative findings. Content analysis was conducted and data triangulation was used with a co-researcher. Questionnaires were completed by 602 nurses, followed by semi-structured interviews with 10 nurses between July 2023 and September 2023. Job satisfaction was significantly higher among nurses who worked with a logistician in their department. This organisational change freed up nurses' time and added more meaning to their work. Logisticians alleviated the physical and mental workload of nurses. Furthermore, turnover intention is higher among nurses who do not work with a logistician. Additionally, nurses provided recommendations and suggestions for the deployment of these posts. Logistician positions enable nurses to refocus on their core duties, thereby improving their job satisfaction. Logisticians also improve nurses' health. Enhancing nurses' job satisfaction can reduce turnover rates and help address the nursing shortage. Further studies could complement these results in order to provide arguments in favour of the deployment of logisticians in hospitals. Given the global nursing shortage, implementing logistician posts could be important to prevent the closure of hospital beds and ensure the continuous provision of healthcare services to the population. No patient or public contribution.

Evaluating Lexical Competency in Saudi Arabia's Hybridized EFL Ecosystem

This study explores vocabulary assessment practices in Saudi Arabia's hybrid EFL ecosystem, leveraging platforms like Blackboard and Google Forms. The focus is on identifying prevalent test formats and evaluating their alignment with modern pedagogical goals. To classify vocabulary assessment formats in hybridized EFL contexts and recommend the integration of AI-enhanced adaptive testing to improve assessment effectiveness and learner outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including analysis of 161 online test samples and semi-structured interviews with test designers. A taxonomy was developed to classify tests into multiple-choice and open-response paradigms, assessing their cognitive demands and contextual usage. Results highlighted the predominance of multiple-choice and cloze tasks, emphasizing recognition over retrieval. Digital platforms enabled test administration, but adaptive, AI-driven assessments were notably absent. The findings advocate for integrating AI technologies in vocabulary assessment to create adaptive and personalized evaluations.

Assessment of Public Awareness of University Social Responsibly in Tanzania: A case of SAUT Community Day

Purpose: Each year, SAUT engages in USR activities through Community Day, fostering collaboration between the institution and the community. The university utilized public relations tools to announce and invite participation in Community Day; however, the expected attendance was not met. The issue of low attendance, particularly among external audiences, has been a persistent challenge for the institution, and the underlying reasons for the limited engagement remain unclear. This study was crucial in its aim to identify the factors influencing attendance and to improve future engagement strategies. Methodology: The research, which employed a comprehensive descriptive design and a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative methodologies, was thorough in its exploration of community day participation. The qualitative aspect delved into individual perspectives on the low participation, offering comprehensive suggestions for enhancement. The quantitative survey, on the other hand, comprehensively assessed public awareness and involvement in SAUT Community Day. Data was gathered from 120 respondents through a self-administered questionnaire and interview method to acquire insights from five academicians. Findings: The findings indicated that a significant 84% of respondents were exposed to the University Community Day through a range of public relations toolkits, particularly, flyers and posters whereas 16% got information through SAUT Community Radio. The findings indicated that no respondents had received community day adverts from mainstream media. Even though most respondents were aware of SAUT Community Day, the findings revealed that only 40 out of 111 respondents, accounting for 36%, participated in the SAUT Community Day. Only 10 individuals from the entire sample possess a clear understanding of Community Day. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The findings are of great significance for scholars and Public Relations officers, as they validate the use of mainstream media and PR tools via social media tools to reach a large audience. The study is a valuable resource for corporate companies and universities seeking to enhance their corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The Role of Educational Leadership in Promoting Innovative Teaching Practices

Educational leadership contributes a great deal to innovation within teaching practices and thus directly to the quality of education and the outcomes of the students. The paper explores the role of school administrators and heads of departments in enhancing innovative teaching practices through providing strategic vision, resources, and professional development opportunities. A mixed-methods approach was used, with 120 educators surveyed and interviewed across different educational institutions. Results indicated that active leadership schools tended to be much more innovative than others in both teaching and learning strategies, the integration of technology, and learning collaboratively. This article therefore discusses these results and emphasizes the central role of leadership style, continuous support, and experimentation culture in the move towards innovation within education.

Adoption of E-Procurement and Its Effects on Firm Performance in Ghana's Construction Sector

Purpose: This study investigates the impact of e-procurement adoption on firm performance in Ghana’s construction sector, with a focus on procurement transparency, cost reductions, and operational efficiency. Methodology: A mixed-method approach was adopted, with data collected from 60 procurement officers and project managers in Accra. Findings: The study reveals a significant positive correlation between e-procurement usage and firm profitability (mean = 3.59) and competitiveness (mean = 4.00). Quantitative results indicate that e-procurement led to a reduction in procurement costs by 10-15%, while qualitative insights highlight the need for capacity-building initiatives to overcome resistance to technological change. However, challenges such as unreliable energy supply (mean = 4.02) and limited technological integration hinder the full potential of e-procurement. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: These findings suggest that e-procurement can play a crucial role in improving efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness in Ghana’s construction sector, provided systemic challenges are addressed.